One victim identified from a tractor-trailer crash that involved one fatality

WEST DUNDEE — In a preliminary investigation conducted by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, it was reported that at approximately 7:39 a.m. on Oct. 29, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Miller Road and Illinois Route 31 in Dundee Township for a two-semi tractor-trailer crash resulting in one fatality.

Authorities state that the driver of a Freightliner semi was headed eastbound on Miller Road approaching Route 31, while the driver of the second semi—a Mack truck—was driving southbound on Route 31. The Mack trailer driver told police that he had the right of way and observed that the Freightliner semi did not stop at the stop sign to wait for vehicles to pass at the intersection.

The driver of the Mack semi was identified as David Ortiz, 60, of the 300 block of Chase Terrance in Streamwood.

The investigation further revealed that both semis were unable to stop in time which resulted in a collision at the intersection that caused the Freightliner semi to exit the roadway. Upon inspection of the Freightliner semi, authorities discovered that the driver was not wearing his seat belt. This observation was made due to the seat belt being in the original position.

Because the driver did not wear his seat belt, he was ultimately ejected from the cab. The Freightliner semi, which was hauling sand, and its driver rolled and came to a final stop on the north shoulder of the roadway on Route 31. The Mack semi, which contained enclosed cargo, exited the roadway and was in a field to the east of Route 31.

Life-saving measures were rendered on scene to the Freightliner driver, however, due to the severity of his injuries sustained, he was pronounced deceased on the scene. Ortiz was also given medical attention and was subsequently transported by ambulance to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Ortiz’s injuries were described as critical but the extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.

The Kane County Coroner’s Office arrived on the scene to assist in transporting the deceased driver to the Kane County Coroner’s Office. The Freightliner driver’s identity and autopsy are pending as is notification to his next of kin.

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Illinois State Police, and the Kane County Drone Unit are still investigating the crash.